I love to learn—and I love learning about learning. This book focuses upon concepts, patterns, and processes that can help you and me learn for ourselves the fundamental doctrines and principles of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
\n\t\t\t\tThe title of this book comes from the ninth chapter of Proverbs: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:9–10; emphasis added). This volume discusses why we should and how we can “increase in learning.”
\n\t\t\t\tThroughout my life I have been drawn to the scriptural injunction to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). And I have come to know ever more completely that the true and trustworthy teacher is the Holy Ghost—who shall “teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance” (John 14:26) and “teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 36:2). As a result, I have attempted in this book to link together some of the spiritual gifts associated with the companionship of the third member of the Godhead, even the Holy Ghost, and our individual responsibility to learn “the doctrine of the kingdom . . . [and] all things . . . that are expedient for you to understand” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–78).
\n\t\t\t\tI admittedly have had reservations about writing this book, as I have been concerned that words on a page alone cannot fully communicate my intended message or, more important, facilitate the pattern of spiritual learning that is activated by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Through the Savior’s Atonement, you and I as learners are blessed with the gift of moral agency. Because of that supernal blessing, we are agents with the capacity and power “to act” and are not merely objects “to be acted upon” (2 Nephi 2:26).
\n\t\t\t\tLearning and living the gospel of Jesus Christ require us to:
\n\t\t\t\t• read and study the scriptures and the teachings of living prophets and apostles—as agents and not as objects;
\n\t\t\t\t• pray and ask in faith and submit to the will of the Father—as agents and not as objects; and
\n\t\t\t\t• worship and serve God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength—as agents and not as objects.
\n\t\t\t\tI personally do not know of a principle more central, important, or essential to spiritual learning than the principle of acting as agents and not being acted upon as objects.
\n\t\t\t\tThis volume is not intended to be a quick, casual, or relaxing read. It also does not describe or prescribe specific study habits or methods, and you will not find lengthy lists of recommendations or things “to do.” This book does not purport to give definitive doctrinal answers to the pressing questions and issues of our day.
\n\t\t\t\tRather, I invite you throughout the book to engage in various learning experiences so you can increasingly “stand independent” (Doctrine and Covenants 78:14) and learn how to find answers to your own questions. Consequently, as you progress through the chapters you will need to read, study, ponder, search, ask, knock, record thoughts and feelings, link, connect, revise, rethink, ask again, start again, and, most important, act. For this reason the book is formatted with extra wide margins and blank pages in the back so you can make notes, jot down impressions, and record questions that will facilitate your acting and learning. Experiencing this book will require diligent work and sustained commitment. Only as we “act in doctrine” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:78) can the Holy Ghost ultimately be effective as the teacher of all truth.
\n\t\t\t\tAs you endeavor to increase in learning, please remember that the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel should be considered in their totality. In other words, attempting to understand a doctrine or principle by examining a single scripture or prophetic statement in isolation from all else that has been revealed on the subject is generally misguided. True doctrines and principles are emphasized repeatedly in the standard works, by the prophets and apostles, and through the illuminating and confirming power of the Holy Ghost.
\n\t\t\t\tIn addition to the text material contained in this volume, additional learning resources are available both on the DVD that accompanies the hardbound book and online at seek.deseretbook.com/learning. The DVD contains an interview with Elder and Sister Bednar discussing the concepts in the book as well as a live Q&A discussion with Elder Bednar and a group of young adults. Links to relevant segments of the DVD and to online resources are provided throughout the book. Please remember, however, that the written text, the questions to consider, the questions you pose at the end of each chapter, the readings, and the additional resources are not complete in and of themselves. Each has been designed to complement and enhance the others.
\n\t\t\t\tAt the end of each chapter are related readings that expand on and emphasize many of the concepts taught. Most of these readings are taken from talks that were reprinted in the Ensign. In some cases, the wording has been altered slightly in this book to eliminate occasion-specific references and repetition.
\n\t\t\t\tMy hope is that the combination of your faith in Heavenly Father and the Savior, your willingness to act as an agent, the text, and the learning experiences in which you will engage will invite the Holy Ghost to help you more fully understand basic gospel truths and a powerful spiritual pattern—to the end that each of us may INCREASE IN LEARNING.
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